Sunday, November 23, 2008

Reason #397 - Arlington, Texas

Dallas' new roof-ed stadium will host the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, 2011 Super Bowl, and 2014 Final Four. Why? Because it can seat 93,000 comfortable, dry people. Cities like Cleveland have no chance to attract such events when bigger cities, who already have an advantage, close the deal with a roof. A roof on Browns Stadium and/or Progressive Field is our only chance.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Reason #396 - Free Agents Too Expensive

The Yankees reportedly have offered pitcher C.C .Sabathia $140 million for six years. For $100 million, we could have a roof on Progressive Field that lasts 30 years. That's a better deal than a high-priced free agent.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Reason #395 - Fantasy World

Some members of the 3-6 Browns are actually talking about how they just need to play and win one game at a time, and they can still be in playoff contention. But we don't live in a fantasy world. Let's focus on even the remotely possible - like putting a roof on Browns Stadium.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Reason #394 - Baseball Next Season

With the Browns virtually eliminated from respectability contention, I have to think about baseball season. Only five more months until the Indians are back - and playing through the sleet at Progressive Field.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Reason #393 - Brady Quinn

Tonight's Browns' game is Brady Quinn's first career start. He was very successful under the Golden Dome at Notre Dame. Think what a roof in Cleveland could do for him!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Reason #392 - Campaign Slogans

Barack Obama rode "Yes we can" to the presidency. How about if we use "Put a lid on it" for our stadiums? It should be Issue 1 on next year's ballot.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Reason #391 - All-Star Games

The Cowboys' new roof-ed football facility will host the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. Seating capacity will be more than 100,000. Regular arenas that seat 20,000 have no chance anymore, and neither do cities without roof-ed venues. Thank you to faithful reader Steve Weintraub, who's on the ground for me in Texas, for bringing this to my attention.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Reason #390 - Champion Charlie Manuel

Charlie Manuel won a World Series, which proves you don't need a slick, high-priced manager to have a championship baseball team. So spend some money on the facilities and fan comfort, for a change.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Reason #389 - Home Games

Starting this weekend, the Browns have four of five games at home in November. In most cities, they call that opportunity. In Cleveland, we call that opportunity for severe frostbite.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Reason #388 - The Neutral Site Debate

USA Today raises an issue I discussed months ago: Will Major League Baseball consider a neutral site for the World Series? The public is overwhelmingly against it. The owners and the players, the rich and famous, may like it more each day, as weather all but ruins the excitment over this year's Series. If it ever happens, all of us cold-weather cities with open-air ballparks are finished as baseball towns.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Reason #387 - Suspended Game

The World Series is in limbo because of bad weather in Philadelphia - resulting in the first suspended game in World Series history. The reason? Another modern stadium without a roof. Duh.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Reason #386 - World Series Baseball

Today is Game 5 of the World Series. Cleveland's forecast: mix of rain and snow. If we want to enjoy World Series baseball, we need a roof on Progressive Field - and a team that can win it all when given the chance.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Reason #385 - Political Events

LeBron James and Jay-Z are sponsoring a free "Vote for Obama" concert next week at the Q, which seats about 20,000. We could pack in 40,000 or 60,000 if we had a roof on one of our stadiums.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Reason #384 - Kellen Winslow

The blow-up between Kellen Winslow and the Browns should remind all of us that players are rented gladiators and administrators and coaches are hired to be fired. The only things that last are tradition and facilities. We can overcome selfish players and bad management, but the lack of a roof on Browns Stadium will stick with us for a long time.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Reason #383 - More Sports Facilities

Developers are talking about building a horse racing track near downtown Cleveland. Just what we need - another outdoor sports facility that is useful less than half the year.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Reason #382 - Tropicana Field

Even Tropicana Field in Tampa/St. Pete has a roof - and let's hope it helps the Rays finally finish off the Red Sox.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Reason #381 - Never Give Up

I took the summer off because, let's face it, we had great weather for several months. But I just couldn't stay away forever. A retractable roof is the right answer for all seasons and I intend to prevail.

Reason #380 - View from My Office

Like Alaska being on Russia's doorstep, I can see Progressive Field from my office window in downtown Cleveland. Great view - except every time it reminds me that it should have a retractable roof for all-season activities.

Reason #379 - Cool Weather at Progressive Field

Cool weather is back. Progressive Field still looks great, but it serves absolutely no purpose until April 10, 2009

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Reason #378 - No All-Stars in Cleveland

The Indians send me regular emails, and today they're pushing Pronk, Victor and Grady for All-Star voting. These guys are only in fifth place and need more votes to have a shot at the All-Star Game. If only this were a joke. None of these guys are even close to deserving an all-star appearance. Whatever time you're spending on all-star balloting, please, just fill out a petition for a roof on Jacobs Field.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Reason #377 - Disrupted Pitching Rotation

Because of Sunday's rainout, the Indians need to call up a starter for this weekend, even though the team is playing well now and doesn't want to disrupt its roster. But they have no choice - unless they can get another rainout by Friday.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Reason #376 - May Giveaways

The giveaway for tomorrow night's game - on May 10, which is six weeks into spring - is a fleece blanket. That's a clear sign that we need a roof on Progressive Field.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Reason #375 - High Prices for Everything

This is reason 375 and today I paid $3.75 per gallon of gas. Ironic, huh? Here's hoping I don't have to come up with 800 or 1,000 reasons - we can't afford it. Stop the madness; let's get serious about a roof.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Reason #374 - Tradition and the Future

This week, the Indians are playing their last series in Yankee Stadium, which is being replaced by a new $1.3 billion ballpark. The roof-less stadium and the franchise have a storied tradition, and better weather. Therefore, they don't need a roof to secure their future. But a roof could sure help ours.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Reason #373 - Winning at Home

The Indians wasted their latest homestand with a 4-5 record. So much for a home field advantage. All other things being equal, roof/dome teams always seem to have an advantage because they don't lose games to weather, they don't get too hot or cold, and they avoid wind-blown home runs and missed pop-ups.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Reason #372 - Indians Struggling

The Indians' offense is inept. There are two possible explanations - the team is MUCH WORSE than we thought or the weather has been just too cold, wet and unpredictable for them to get comfortable. I know which one I hope is correct, and if it is, a roof will fix the problem.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Reason #371 - Award-Winning Ballpark

An online survey of fans by Sports Illustrated named Progressive Field as the #1 ballpark in the MLB. It's great - and could be even better with a roof.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Reason #370 - Stop Blaming the Cold Weather

The Indians offense is weak. Some are blaming the cold weather. If true, that would be good news. If it turns out, however, that the team is not as good as expected, it could be a long summer, no matter what the temperature. If we had a roof, we'd know for sure if the problem is the weather or the team.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Reason #369 - Monday's Forecast

The Indians have played 25 games so far this year, and, still, the forecast for Monday night includes a wind chill number - 38 degrees.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Reason #368 - Free Time to Think of New Ideas

The Browns have no draft picks in the first three rounds, which gives team management plenty of time this weekend to begin implementing a master plan to put a retractable roof on Browns Stadium.

Reason #367 - Yankees Don't Love Bugs

The Indians are coming home for a weekend series against the Yankees. We may need bugs as our secret weapon again. Don't worry, we'd keep the roof off to let the bugs in.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Reason #366 - Postponements

Heavy rain canceled tonight's Indians game at Kansas City. So they are going to try to play a doubleheader tomorrow - unless the rain continues as expected. Postponements are bad for everyone - pitching staffs, fans, vendors, parking attendants, TV announcers, etc. Sorry, Kansas City, but until you lose entire homestands to blizzards, you don't need a retractable roof like we do.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Reason #365 - A Full Leap Year of Reasons

2008 is a leap year, so this bears repeating from yesterday - I have now provided my reasons in one-a-day doses for an entire year. I challenge the anti-roofers to come up with even a dozen reasons for the other view. They have no chance.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Reason #364 - A Full Year of Reasons

We have now reached a milestone - a full year's worth of reasons. This is what I call a compelling case. If you see it any other way, you're just making excuses for inept venue planning.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Reason #363 - High School Sports

The High School Hardball Classic is being played this weekend at Jacobs Field. If the Indians and Browns had roofs, they could host a lot of crucial high school sports matchups, including state playoffs, which would bring lots of revenue and energy to the city.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Reason #362 - Perfect Night for Baseball

It was a perfect night for baseball and still only 21,000 fans showed up to see the Indians play the rival Tigers? Why? Because we don't have a roof. The weather is too uncertain for Clevelanders and Detroiters to buy tickets ahead of time. That's right - a roof is the solution for all reasons and seasons.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Reason #361 - Beat Detroit

We can't beat Detroit in anything - Cavs lost to Pistons, Indians lost to Tigers, and Browns don't have a dome but Lions do.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Reason #360 - Browns Schedule

The Browns' schedule was released today. They have only one home game after November 30 - which means even the computer scheduler knows that December games at home are a bad idea.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Reason #359 - Fans Don't Like Cold Weather

I take back what I said in Reason #356. Even the Red Sox can't draw a decent April crowd. There were less than 20,000 in the ballpark tonight because it was so cold. The league's scheduling shenanigans failed. Fans aren't stupid - they watch The Weather Channel.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Reason #358 - Baseball Statistics

The cliche is that baseball is a game of numbers. The problem in Cleveland is those vital statistics are wind chill (38 degrees, with snow flurries, today) and heat index.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Reason #357 - Low Fan Attendance

Tonight is the winter hat giveaway at the Indians game. Fewer than 20,000 people are in attendance. Obviously, winter clothes promotions don't work, and, furthermore, neither does winter weather to draw fans.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Reason #356 - April Schedule

The Indians' series against the Red Sox and Yankees are coming up before the end of the month. It's not a coincidence - I suspect the team and the league set this up to fill more seats early in the season. Given our weather, they assume we need some special incentive to come to these early-season games. In July and August, I guess even the Rays and Royals will draw a crowd. So that means our weather problems determine our schedule and even our success, which is ridiculous.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Reason #355 - An Anniversary to Remember

This week is the one-year anniversary of the snowstorm that ruined our first Indians homestand of 2007 - 3 games postponed, 3 others played under a comfy roof in Milwaukee. We must never forget, never, or we will let our guard down to those who still don't understand what's at stake here.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Reason #354 - Important Early Games

The big rematch of last year's ALCS with the Red Sox is next week, and the forecast is for snow and rain. Isn't it obvious why Cleveland fans have trouble getting excited about April baseball?

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Reason #353 - Winter Hat Giveaway

Saturday April 12's giveaway at the Indians game is a winter hat. Almost two weeks after the season starts, and they're still giving away winter apparel. Maybe that's why they don't want a dome - they'd have to come up with some new promotions.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Reason #352 - Setting a Bad Example

We're setting a bad example for other cities. Here's proof - the Twins are building a new open-air ballpark to open in 2010. They had 9 inches of snow on opening day 2008.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Reason #351 - First Homestand

The Indians completed their first homestand without having to play through any snow or sleet. That's normally good news. Unfortunately, it says a lot when most people are pleasantly surprised by our dry weather with temperatures in the 40s.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Reason #350 - Wind Chill

The wind chill for tonight's Indians game was in the 20s. And, in Cleveland in April, that's good weather compared to the rain, snow or sleet that we often see.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Reason #349 - Opening Day 2008

It was cloudy in the upper 50s for today's opening day? So what's wrong with that? Nothing this year. The problem is that this is nicest weather we have had for opening day in several years. Low 40s forecasted for Wednesday night, with rain to follow the rest of the week.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Reason #348 - Congressional Support

There is always a lot of controversy in Washington, D.C. about earmarks to fund local pet projects for members of Congress. Why can't one of our "leaders" champion a roof for Progressive Field or Browns Stadium? Now, that's pork we can be proud of!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Reason #347 - Grounds Crew's View

First pitch on opening day is less than 72 hours away, and the Indians ground crew is still dealing with a frozen, wet field. This is unacceptable, it is not progress or progressive. It is the same old story because we didn't have the foresight to put a retractable roof on the ballpark.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Reason #346 - Advance Warning

Even the Indians own Web site is already warning that Monday's opening day game could be threatened by wet weather. So not only do we have bad weather, but we also worry about it days before we need to.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Reason #345 - March and April Baseball

The first official Major League Baseball game of the season was played today - in Japan - while there are still a few inches of snow on the ground in Cleveland. Someday, the Tribe will begin play in March in Japan, Puerto Rico or Mexico - because our weather can't be trusted.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Reason #344 - Opening Day Forecast

The Indians' opening day is a week away. The forecast is 45 degrees and showers - which will feel like 35 and sleet. And that's a big improvement over last year, when a blizzard canceled the entire first homestand.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Reason #343 - Hard-Working Grounds Crew

Just like last year, the grounds crew at the ballpark needs snowblowers, instead of lawn mowers, to get ready for opening day.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Reason #342 - Spring Snowstorms

It's officially spring, the Indians' home opener is a little more than a week away, and we're getting heavy snow tonight. This is not a fluke; this is Cleveland. It happens every year. Of course, we need a dome.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Reason #341 - Holding Their Value

The economy is struggling, stocks are tumbling unless propped up by the government, and gas is $3.50 a gallon. Not much is holding its value these days - except, hopefully, state-of-the-art roofed stadiums

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Reason #340 - Coming to Ohio

High school phenom Terrelle Pryor is coming to Ohio (Ohio State, to be exact). Everybody's doing it, except for the people who build domes, who, of course, don't believe we need them. We do, but when will we realize it?

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Reason #339 - The World Is Watching

Our blog is attracting people from all around the world - the latest post was from Brazil, in Portugese, of course. Everybody can see how much sense this makes - except for some stubborn minds in our hometown.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Reason #338 - Miracles Happen

The Houston Rockets have won 22 straight games, the Georgia Bulldogs came from nowhere to win the SEC, and Kent State, Cleveland State and Akron are all headed to postseason play. Anything's possible, according to The Plain Dealer. How about a dome?

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Reason #337 - NCAA Tournament

March Madness starts this week. Could we attract the Final Four if we had a large roof-ed facility? I'd like to find out.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Reason #336 - Domes Save Lives

A tornado hit downtown Atlanta and damaged the Georgia Dome, which was filled with thousands of SEC basketball fans. The dome was damaged, but it did its job to protect the people inside.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Reason #335 - Part of the Plan

The Medical Mart is coming to Cleveland, which means we'll be getting a new convention center. The next logical step is to make our stadiums all-weather to serve all of these new events. It's all coming together.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Reason #334 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are tonight, and, once again, they're not in Cleveland. Ironic that the rock hall sits next to the open-air, lifeless Browns Stadium. The location is perfect. All it needs is a roof.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Reason #333 - Hearty Fans

We had 18 inches of snow and still Cleveland fans came out to watch the Cavs, minor league hockey and Arena League football. Because they were played under a roof. And nobody questioned the toughness of the fans. Believe me, just by making it to the games, we proved our toughness.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Reason #332 - Blizzards

We're having a blizzard this weekend. Fortunately, baseball season hasn't started yet. But, don't forget, last year, when it had started and we still had a blizzard, canceled an entire series and moved the series to Milwaukee - because they had a roof. We must never forget that lesson.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Reason #331 - City Repairs

Downtown Cleveland has been hit by a water main break and road collapse. Some will say that such problems mean we don't have enough money in this city for "luxuries" such as a dome. Actually, we would have the money to take care of our infrastructure if we had a dome, which would be an economic growth engine.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Reason #330 - Long Seasons

The presidential nomination process has been going on for months and it continues, and the general election won't be held until November. By then, baseball season, which doesn't start for another month, will be over. And we will have gone through numerous weather swings. So, long seasons - baseball and political - are another big reason.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Reason #329 - Others Can See It

One of my co-workers, a French woman who's not very familiar with baseball and football, says she can't understand why our stadiums don't have roofs. She thinks sports fans would be more comfortable, and the stadiums would attract other events. If she can see it, why do our public officials and others who have been here for years continue to ignore the obvious?

Monday, March 3, 2008

Reason #328 - $100 Million Quarterbacks

The Steelers have signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to an eight-year, $102 million contract. We in Cleveland can find a much better use for such big money, and our roof will last a lot longer than Big Ben's knees.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Reason #327 - NFL Free Agency

Free agency is in full swing in the NFL, and players are moving around fast. Even guys whose careers have been salvaged by one team willing to take a chance (Randy Moss, for example) are looking to defect to the highest bidder. Roofs are forever; players may only be for one year.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Reason #326 - Money to Burn

The Browns are on a free-agent signing binge, which means they have plenty of money to work with. I'd like to see them use some of it to put a roof on the stadium, which the city built for them and costs them almost nothing to play there.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Reason #325 - We Really Need This

It's almost midnight, I'm tired, but I still must post something for today because this issue is THAT important. So today's reason is simple - because Cleveland really needs at least one roof-ed stadium.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Reason #324 - Congressional Inquiry

Roger Clemens could be indicted on allegations of lying to Congress. Perhaps our local representatives should look into the matter of domes to get to the bottom of why we don't have roofs on our stadiums. I suspect there is a trail of lies that must be exposed.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Reason #323 - Dome Tax

The extra sales tax we're paying is for the new Convention Center. However, if the deal falls through, which is becoming more likely, the county is supposed to rebate the tax. Of course, they want to keep it. If they do, the money should be used for a roof on Browns Stadium.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Reason #322 - Heavy Snow

Today's bad weather canceled a number of indoor sporting events. The roofs are fine but the roads are not.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Reason #321 - Prep Time

The grounds crew and facilities staff at the Indians ballpark do not get enough time to prepare everything for the season opener. They're usually too busy shoveling snow from the aisles, salting the sidewalks and blowing snow off the field.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Reason #320 - Sunny Days

It's a beautiful, sunny late-winter day in Cleveland. This is what the meteorologists call a "dome of high pressure." You gotta' love the terminology!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Reason #319 - Florida Domes

The Marlins are getting a new ballpark with a roof so they will stay in Florida. The Indians and Browns have relatively new stadiums, but someday, they will want roofs to keep them in Cleveland. Why wait for them to make their threat to leave town?

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Reason #318 - Player Trades

Players come and go, as evidenced by the fact that the Cavs traded half their roster, six players, today for four players. So don't expect long emotional attachments to any player, including LeBron James (does anybody really think he's going to play in Cleveland for his whole career?). Trades and free agency happen, and small-market teams like us will be hit harder than most. The only things that last are respect for the game, love of the team, and quality facilities - with roofs, of course.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Reason #317 - Spring Training

The Indians' first full-squad workout is Thursday. It will be 75 and sunny. The Indians won't play a home game under such conditions until probably late May. It's no wonder the Indians never seem to complain how long spring training is.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Reason #315 - Not Just a Coincidence?

How are several NBA teams able to make trades to acquire big-name stars for the stretch run, and yet the Cavs are unable to do anything? These same cities - Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix - also have new football stadiums with roofs. So is all of this a coincidence or do these cities just want to win more than Cleveland does?

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Reason #314 - Off-Season Purpose

It has been a month and a half since there's been any action at Cleveland Stadium and approximately 4 months since the Indians have played at their ballpark. They just sit there - no use, no visitors, no events. Roofs would give them, and all of us, purpose.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Reason #313 - Hype

The NBA All-Star Weekend is all hype and ceremony. Roofs are just quiet, solid performers. And they play defense, against bad weather.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Reason #312 - Sabathia's Contract Demands

The Indians have offered C.C. Sabathia approximately $18 million for five years. His agents don't even consider it a serious offer. $90 million would buy a serious roof for Progressive Field.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Reason #311 - Government Oversight

The "steroids in baseball" scandal heads to Capitol Hill for hearings tomorrow. It's too bad that Congress and the leagues have to deal with this problem, rather than creating a raging controversy over domes and roofs covering playing fields. At least this debate would generate some positive publicity.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Reason #310 - Problems at Heinz Field

Pittsburgh's Heinz Field is widely acknowledged as having the worst field surface in the NFL. They recently considered installing artificial turf, but decided not to do so. As far as I know, they never even considered a roof - another way for Cleveland to show its superiority.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Reason #309 - Injuries

The Cavs' rash of injuries is a reminder that players are fragile. The arena's roof is holding up just fine, thank you.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Reason #308 - Give the Fans What They Want

The Browns have sent out a survey asking fans what events besides Browns football they would consider attending at Browns Stadium. They also ask how the time of year affects fans' wilingness to attend outdoor events. That sounds to me like they might be starting to consider adding a roof to attract big events and large crowds.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Reason #307 - Presidential Politics

The remaining candidates for president are about to descend on Ohio. Some people believe they'll say anything to get elected. If they promise us a roof, we have to make sure they follow through.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Reason #306 - Indoor Football Predictions

The Cleveland Gladiators begin play March 3. I may be going out on a limb here, but I think Arena Football in the spring could be a huge hit in Cleveland. Tickets start at $12 per seat - and you're guaranteed that seat will be dry and warm. Another prediction: Don't be surprised if the Gladiators draw more fans at an April game than the Indians.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Reason #305 - Roof Closed in Phoenix

The roof was closed for the Super Bowl last night. In Phoenix. What more evidence do we in Cleveland need?

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Reason #304 - Arena Football

The Arena Football League season starts in early March, with the new Cleveland Gladiators. Here's hoping that football played under a roof captures the imagination of this city. At least it's a step in a positive direction.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Reason #303 - Injuries

Kellen Winslow has a bad shoulder and knee, and plans to have surgery at least on the knee. Even coming off his best season, he's damaged goods, at a high price tag. That's why a roof is always a better investment.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Reason #302 - Quarterbacks Are Expensive

Despite never winning a playoff game, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is signed for $10 million a year for six years. Now, the Browns' Derek Anderson may be looking for a similar deal. For that kind of money, we could be on our way to a roof on Browns Stadium - and it would last more than six years.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Reason #301 - $20 Million Players

Johann Santana may get $20 million a year for 7 years from the Mets, which, despite conventional wisdom, all but guarantees they won't win a World Series. They won't be able to afford a supporting cast. They would be better off spending money on a roof to attract moderately priced warm-weather free agents.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Reason #300 - Milestones Matter

We have now reached 300 reasons, a significant milestone. With that many reasons, it's clear to me that this idea deserves a full and fair public discussion. Now - during the off-seasons for both the Indians and Browns.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Reason #299 - Keeping C.C.

The Indians are expected to offer C.C. Sabathia the largest contract in team history. Some might say that does not leave any money to pay for a roof for Progressive Field. I say perhaps a roof would help convince C.C., a California guy, to stay here for the long term.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Reason #298 - No Roof, No Play

The Cavs-Lakers game in Los Angeles was delayed by a leaky roof today. That's right: they stopped the game until the leak was stopped. That's how important a roof is to professional athletes.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Reason #297 - Extreme Sports

The Winter X Games are held outdoors in snowy January. But those are considered extreme sports, not exactly mainstream. But spring baseball and fall football? Those are mainstream, and should not be played under extreme Cleveland conditions.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Reason #296 - 2007

2007 is being billed as one of the best years in Cleveland sports history - the Indians and Cavs went deep into the playoffs and the Browns finished 10-6. We have low standards. If those results are considered a great success, we're almost always going to be disappointed. A dome would give us something to celebrate every year.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Reason #295 - Smart Investments

The Yankees' 2007 major-league payroll was $218.3 million. That's enough for two roofs for Cleveland, plus a record contract for free-agent-to-be C.C. Sabathia. Those would be smart investments.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Reason #294 - High-Paid Middle Relievers

The Indians will be paying middle reliever Rafael Betancourt millions of dollars. If he's worth that much, imagine what a roof would do for us.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Reason #293 - Indoor Baseball Events

The Indians have started their winter press tour. Needless to say, all of the events are held indoors - just like the bad-weather games should be.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Reason #292 - Arena Football

Starting in March, Cleveland will be playing indoor football, as part of the Arena Football League. That's right - we're willing to play football indoors in the spring, but not in the late fall and winter. That's not tradition; it's stubborn.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Reason #291 - Name Change

The Jacobs Field sign has come down and will soon be replaced by the Progressive Field label. A name change won't help us at all in early April, when another spring snowstorm blows in off the lake.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Reason #290 - Economic Stimulus

The economy and housing market are in free-fall. So why spend time talking about a roof for at least one of our stadiums? Because it is the economic stimulus we need, and if it doesn't help, at least we'll have an enjoyable event experience to take our minds off all of our other troubles.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Reason #289 - Bitter Cold

The coldest weather of the season is headed for Cleveland this weekend. I hope you're ready. Unfortunately, our stadiums are not.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Reason #288 - American Idol

American Idol is back. With a roof, Browns Stadium could be the largest audition venue ever, regardless of weather or season

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Reason #287 - Idle Stadiums

The Cavs are out of town this week, and the Browns and Indians won't be playing at home for months. That's right - three large, high-quality facilities downtown, and they're empty.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Reason #286 - Reliability

LeBron James got a ticket for driving 101 mph. Twenty-three-year-olds make those kinds of mistakes, and sometimes they hurt themselves and others as a result. Domes of any age - newborns, teenagers and 23-year-olds - are much more reliable.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Reason #285 - Roofs in Boston and Green Bay

The AFC and NFC Championships will be played in the two coldest venues in the NFL - Boston and Green Bay. The forecast is for temperatures in the teens. They need roofs too.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Reason #284 - Home Playoff Games, Eventually

Sure, Green Bay had a playoff game today in heavy snow. But that doesn't mean we don't need a roof. Maybe we could make a better case if we had some occasional home playoff games.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Reason #283 - Progress

Jacobs Field has a new name - Progressive Field. You call that progress? Now, we need another sponsor for the roof.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Reason #282 - Indians Giveaways

The Indians' giveaway for April 12 is a stocking hat and the giveaway for May 10 is a fleece blanket. That's spring in Cleveland, where a roof over our heads would be more beneficial than a hat or a blanket.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Reason #281 - Indians Home Opener

I'm doing my Indians ticket draft tomorrow. Normally, everybody loves a home opener. But March 31 in Cleveland? Congratulations, you've just signed up for frostbite, much like someone might make a hotel reservation.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Reason #280 - Columbus Too

Forget Cleveland - maybe Columbus needs a dome for the Buckeyes, so they're ready for the Sugar Bowl or other major bowl game in perfect weather. Perhaps we have the beginnings here of a statewide ballot issue.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Reason #279 - Buckeyes in a Dome

I've said it before, but it bears repeating tonight - ALL the big games, Super Bowls, BCS championship games, etc. - seem to be played in domes and/or warm weather. NEVER outside in Cleveland in winter.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Reason #278 - Steelers Lose

Now that the Steelers have lost their rainy first-round playoff game, they're no better off than the Browns are. In fact, the Browns would be in a much better position if we had a roof in the works.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Reason #277 - BCS National Championship Game

Ohio State is winless against the SEC in bowl games. Some say it's because they don't have enough team speed and aren't built to play in nice weather. If it's true, Ohio State fans ought to be demanding a roofed stadium somewhere in this state.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Reason #276 - Hannah Montana Concert

Last night's Hannah Montana concert drew about 16,000 screaming teenagers. Could have been 60,000 if we had a roof on Browns Stadium.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Reason #275 - Home Renovations

The Browns have cleaned out their lockers and headed home. Their Cleveland home is now empty - the perfect time for some major renovations

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Reason #274 - Ice Hockey

Hockey is played on ice and they still get a roof - except today in Buffalo, where the NHL is playing an outdoor hockey game dubbed the Winter Classic. Buffalo, at least we play our hockey indoors.